Talking Sense

MPR News and the nonprofit organization Braver Angels have created Talking Sense to help Minnesotans have hard conversations, better.

Talking Sense is a reporting project that explores the roots of polarization in communities, families and homes, and looks at how Minnesotans are navigating these divisive times. It’s also a series of live events and online tools that help Minnesotans have challenging political conversations without letting the need to change minds stand in the way of preserving important relationships. 

Has political polarization affected your family or community? Send us your Talking Sense story at talk@mprnews.org

Divided over politics, a father and son in Minnesota sought a therapist’s help
A father and adult son with sharp political differences sat down with a therapist to figure out how they can have more productive political conversations at a time of intense polarization in the country.
A prayer across the rural-urban divide: ‘Open our hearts, open our brains’
A rural church and an urban church’s congregants and leaders have been meeting during a contentious election year. They wanted to see if they could lower the political temperature among their congregations by learning from each other.
Mariah Levison and Rob Fersh help people find consensus on how to solve divisive issues, ranging from prison reform to what art should hang in the Minnesota Capitol. Learn how they do it in this MPR News Talking Sense conversation hosted by MPR News correspondent Catharine Richert.
A cancellable feast? When politics sabotage Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving coming up this week, holiday season is officially underway. But for some, getting together with family and friends feels challenging this year after a divisive election.
Why Trump’s immigration rhetoric appeals to one first-time Latino voter in Minnesota
President-elect Donald Trump made notable inroads with Latino voters this year, particularly among young men. One voter’s family history provides a window into Trump’s appeal.
Talking Sense: The 2024 Election Results
MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests talk about the results of the 2024 election.
To get through the election, 2 therapists prescribe connection
At least one study shows the 2024 election has spiked unusually high levels of anxiety in many people. Here’s how two family and marriage therapists suggest we can lower the temperature in our minds and in our relationships, regardless of the election’s outcome.